Monday, September 29, 2014

Thank you so much for sharing with me what you all have studied from the scriptures. Keep it coming! I love
that. I love when people share with me parts about the scripture studies. Especially, since that is exactly what I needed to hear. As a mission, we have started
reading the scriptures and our goal is to finish by December 2014. So, guess what? I have studied them like
crazy but I have learned so much! I am still in the book of Nephi but I did not realize before the
same repetition given to Nephi's brothers and how the Lord continued to
extend His mercy and love. It's amazing how merciful and loving the Lord is!

Also, President Deere (our mission president) has asked that as we study the Book of Mormon to focus on Christ's Atonement. The
atonement is the greatest Doctrine we can teach to the world. Let me share quickly a few thoughts of my studies. The following is a summary of a talk given by Elder Holland in 2001 General Conference-- Christ's Atonement Central to Our missionary Work:

Encourage in every way possible more spiritual Church meetings, specially sacrament meetings,

Help orient investigators by explaining the ordinance of the sacrament that they will be witnessing,

Do all that we can to make baptismal services a spiritual, Christ-centered experience,

As missionaries, we are encouraged to bear testimony of the Savior and His gift of salvation to us. A missionary's testimony invokes a great legacy of testimony dating back to the council in heaven before this world was.

Study the scriptures conscientiously and become familiar with this passages that teach and testify of Christ's redeeming mission.

I love to study the Book of Mormon and the majesty of the Son of God. The Book of Mormon is literally another testament of Jesus Christ, declaring to all that through the Atonement of the Son of God.

Again, thanks so much for all that you do for me. I hope everything is well at
home.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

God’s plan for us is beautiful
and simple. He wants us to have joy and to become more like Him. That doesn’t
mean He expect us to be perfect. He knows we won’t be. But, He does expect that
while we are here on earth we try to the best of our abilities to be more like
Him and that we learn and grow from our mistakes. The Lord is always mindful of
all of us and our needs!

My District in class!

Thank you so much for your email! I just love my p-days! It is so when I get to hear from my family! Wow, I am so glad that you all got to experience
Provo, Salt Lake City and Temple Square! I was there once and had the
opportunity to see how beautiful and spiritual that place is. And, I love that
you got to talk to the missionaries. I remembered very well when we always
loved running up to talk to the missionaries, wherever we traveled!

By the way, I leave the MTC next Tuesday morning at 4:00 am heading to
Malaga. I heard I may be able to email again on Monday, but I am not quite sure
yet; so, don’t take my word for it. Also, my p-days in the mission field will
be, of course, Mondays. I can’t believe it has been longer than a month since I
left home... time is flying super-fast!! I feel like I just got to Madrid.

Downtown Madrid. What a nice building!!

The building behind
me is the MTC-Madrid, & to the left of me is the Temple.

Madrid Temple, Spain

As always, I put everyone’s names at the temple in Madrid,
so my family may receive extra blessings!

I
have the Lord on my side and He knows that I am trying harder each day. I have
had some people tell me that I don’t know what I am doing and to rethink my
life. However, I love it here and my purpose as a missionary is to share the
happiness of what the Gospel and the “good news” of Jesus Christ. The Lord is
mindful of all our needs and hopes. Please read D&C 24:8. I read this
scripture almost EVERYDAY and think of all the challenges and sacrifices at home.
But I know that the Lord is always, always thinking about us, His children. If
you have the chance go and read D&C 121:7-8.